A vacation at an all inclusive resort is truly a vacation for every member of the family. You don’t have to worry about cooking meals, cleaning up afterwards, or how to entertain the kids all day. Plus, you don’t have to worry about how much you’re spending on meals and activities while you’re away because it’s all taken care of in advance. With so many all inclusive resorts out there, it’s hard to know which ones to choose for your family vacation. As both travel experts and parents, we are recommending the best all inclusive resorts for families.
Beaches Turks & Caicos
“Dive into a one-of-a-kind, unbelievably exciting Beaches all-inclusive Turks & Caicos vacation for the whole family. This amazing all-inclusive resort features a 45,000 square-foot waterpark; five magnificent villages, boasting the architecture and ambiance of Italy, France, the Caribbean and Key West; a 12-mile beach lapped by clear turquoise waters; 10 impressive pools, endless fun activities for everyone, from tots to tweens and teens, featuring Sesame Street® characters, the Xbox Play Lounge and a sizzlin’ teen disco—all located on Grace Bay, voted the World’s #1 Best Beach by TripAdvisor Travelers.”
What’s Included:
- Unlimited gourmet dining at 21 restaurants
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and anytime snacks
- Unlimited premium liquors
- 15 bars, including swim-up bars
- Stocked bars in every room
- Unlimited Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks® wines
- All tips, taxes and gratuities
- Roundtrip airport transfers
- Kids Camp with certified nannies
- Pirates Island Waterpark
- Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street®
- PADI-Certified scuba diving (and all equipment)
- Snorkeling (and all equipment)
- Hobie Cats, paddle boards, kayaks
- Professional instruction for water sports
- Beach volleyball, basketball, pool tables
- Liquid at Beaches nightly teen club
- Xbox Play Lounge
- Day and night tennis
- Fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment
- Day and night entertainment including live shows
- Free WiFi (in room and all common areas)
- The Caribbean’s first Certified Autism Centers
- 10 freshwater pools, 4 whirlpools & 1 scuba diving pool
Pirates Island Waterpark: The whole family will love Pirates Island Waterpark, the most thrilling waterpark in the Caribbean. Pirates Island Waterpark offers a 650-foot lazy river, SurfStream surf simulator, eleven waterslides, kids swim up bar, water cannons, pop-up jets, zero-entry pool for little ones, ice cream machine, and so much more. You can even enjoy creative street food concepts in between laps on the lazy river or waterslides with the waterpark food trucks.
Room Recommendation: The Together Nest suites are perfect for families of all sizes looking for space and privacy. These suites offer one to four bedroom villas and suites, all including butler service. You’ll also enjoy private VIP in-room check-in and 24 hour room service.
The Grand at Moon Palace Cancun
“Imagine elegance to the hilt, days brimming with promise, the melding of luxury, technology and convenience, alluring magical nights, and having your every craving satisfied. Now, picture this rapturous realm set on a beach that seems as if it was plucked from a dreamy postcard. Pinch yourself, it’s real, it’s The Grand At Moon Palace Cancun.”
All Inclusive Amenities:
- Bottle of wine on arrival
- Luxurious accommodations
- World class dining
- Top shelf drinks
- Delicious appetizers
- 24 hour room service
- Free wi-fi
- Double whirlpool tubs
- Non-motorized watersports
- Water park
- Unlimited calls to the Continental United States, Canada and landlines in Mexico
Room Recommendation: Grand Family Deluxe Rooms can sleep up to six guests. These two room suites include a daily refreshed mini “bar” full of chocolate milkshakes, juice, soda and snacks; kid- sized bathrobes and slippers; an Xbox; L’Oreal Kids bath amenities and more.
Playroom: The Playroom at The Grand is a world of wonder, filled with amazing activities such as: Neon Mini Golf, a 3-floor Labyrinth, Arcade, Bumper Cars, Laser Maze, Time Freak, Interactive Sports, Sky Trail, Mirror Maze, and much more. The Playroom is open daily from 9 am to 10 pm for children ages 4-17.
Wired Lounge: This is a world brimming with arcade and console video games, internet access and a menu of tasty sweet and savory snacks to feast on.
Water Park: Float in a lazy river, splash in a wave pool, and choose from a selection of different thrill-seeking slides.
Special Offers: Kids and teens stay free; Up to $1,500 USD in resort credit; and Free airport transfers
Hard Rock Punta Cana
The Hard Rock Punta Cana offers thrilling gaming action in the biggest casino in the Caribbean, exhilarating nightlife, tantalizing culinary options, state-of-the-art meeting facilities and rooms worth tweeting about, all infused with our legendary rock and roll vibe.
Kidz Bop Experience: Kids ages 6-12 will get the ultimate VIP treatment at The KIDZ BOP Experience, where they can live like a KIDZ BOP Kid! Kids can check in to the Pop Star lounge, where they’ll be guided by their personal tour manager to create the coolest band name, learn brand new dance moves, select a red carpet worthy wardrobe, take their A-List photo, and perform on the big stage!
Music Lab: Introducing the ultimate way to live out your fist-pumping guitar-shredding fantasy with expert instruction and accelerated stage training at the Music Lab of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana. As part of your all inclusive stay, there’s no experience needed and all guests ages 12 and over are welcome to play.
More Family Fun: There’s even more family fun awaiting you at the Hard Rock Punta Cana. Grab a putter and challenge your family to a game of mini-golf. The Bowling Bar offers six lanes of bowling, bowling balls, tables, and automatic scoring system. Escapology challenges your family to work as a team, find clues, solve puzzles and open padlocks and doors in order to escape in less than 60 minutes. Both the young and the young at heart will enjoy the excitement and fun of a wide selection of games in our Arcade Center. Catch a wave at the Flowrider surf simulator. (additional fees apply)
Room Recommendation: The Signature Family Suite comes with all the indulging amenities fit for a true star. One master bedroom with a king size bed in addition to an adjacent family room with two double beds and dining room with a full bathroom.
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana
What else can say “Family Fun” like getting Slimed? In addition to a huge variety of Nickelodeon activities, there is a world of Karisma Gourmet Inclusive® Experiences to enjoy here at the five star Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana. All-inclusive access to aqua aerobics, dance and more means there is no better time to explore new interests. Go above, beyond and into the deep blue sea during scuba diving trips, fishing trips, an island tour, snorkeling, golf and almost any activity you can think of.
Gourmet Inclusive:
- Cuisine crafted to perfection
- Globally-sourced premium libations
- Superior accommodations featuring indulgent amenities
- Service above and beyond the expected
- An intimate Nickelodeon experience including the orange carpet, character meet and greets, and Slimings
Aqua Nick: Enjoy winding water slides, splash pads, spray grounds and a lazy river ride. Join the fun with a Nick Live! Poolside where the mess hits the deck in our interactive games shows where guests are pulled right into the action. Inspired by Nickelodeon’s iconic game shows and characters. Experience Nickelodeon’s ultimate honor during our daily Mass Sliming events, where everyone is welcome to join the free-flowing celebration. Or sit for a unique family photo under the Slimulator. Get ready to get messy!
Just Kidding: Part clubhouse, part artist’s studio, Just Kidding is the hub for free play as well as more structured activities for families. You’ll find a mega ball pit, two-story slide and a whole lot of do-it-yourself Nickelodeon fun, from arts and craft classes to science experiments, along with daily, supervised activities for kids 4 to 12 years old. Plus, you never know when your favorite character will stop by!
Character Breakfasts: You can enjoy Character Breakfasts every Saturday & Sunday at Zest. Join SpongeBob, Patrick, Dora, Boots, Paw Patrol & the Fairly Odd Parents in your jammies for the Pajama Jam, or ninja chop with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles during the Turtle Power Breakfast. (surcharge applies)
Room Recommendation: The Flat Swim-Up Suite offers direct access to the pool right from your terrace! The suite also includes a private master bedroom with a king size bed, smart TVs, a marble bathroom with an indoor shower, double sinks and freestanding tub.
Club Med Punta Cana
Club Med Punta Cana offers an all inclusive family vacation with activities centered around 5 different themes:
- Time to Splash: enjoy giant water bubbles, slip’n’slide, water volleyball and more!
- Time to Play: test your skills with brain games such as giant domino, molky, and giant janga.
- Time to Quest: work together to find treasure on a digital treasure hunt as you explore the grounds of our flagship resort.
- Time to Recharge: relax with family yoga classes, extra large hammocks and other calm games.
- Happy Time: learn new skills together with family archery, pickleball, and Club Med CREACTIVE as you try flying trapeze, trampoline and juggling.
Club Med CREACTIVE by Cirque du Soleil: Club Med CREACTIVE by Cirque du Soleil is a unique circus playground where you can fly above the palm trees with the flying trapeze, learn to climb silks, juggle, and more with the help of expert Cirque du Soleil Circassiens.
Mini Club Med: Mini Club Med offers activities for children age 4-10. From 4 years and up, children can try a range of land sports. They’ll hone their artistic talents in creative workshops, and invite you to join them for fun team games. From 6 years and up, they’re ready to try archery and some water sports. And once they reach 8, a whole new raft of specially designed activities is available to tempt them, both on and off the water.
Club Med Passworld: Club Med Passworld is for guests age 11-17. Teens can broadening their horizons with a range of sports, forge new friendships on the sports pitches, triumph in epic tournaments, lounge by the pool, or try their hand as a DJ or gamer.
Room Recommendation: Your family can enjoy one of the new 2 bedroom family suites in the new Tiara Exclusive Collection space. Here, you’ll experience a mix of both modern and local design touches in these oceanfront rooms complete with your own dedicated pool, kid-friendly bar area, and other amenities.
Dreams Riviera Maya
Set along a natural white-sand beach in the Riviera Maya, surrounded by lush tropical gardens and the crystal-clear Caribbean, Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa is a luxurious oasis for couples and families. Ideally located close to the excitement of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, this AAA Four Diamond resort is an enchanting wonderland of glistening pools and impressive ocean views with unique octagonal-shaped rooms and suites.
Unlimited-Luxury includes:
- Limitless access to gourmet à la carte dining options without reservations required
- Unlimited international and domestic top-shelf spirits
- Unlimited natural fruit juices and soft drinks
- 24-hour room and concierge services
- Pool and beach wait service
- Daily refreshed mini-bar with soft drinks, juice, bottled water and beer
- Daily maid service
- Endless daytime activities and live nightly entertainment
- Theme parties, oceanfront bars and entertainment venues
- No wristbands required
- All taxes and gratuities included
- Enjoy free Wi-Fi and free international calling to the US, Canada and Mexico with Unlimited Connectivity. The mobile app also allows you to view the schedules of all events, activities and restaurants at the resort, plus to learn about local destinations, excursions, and much more
Explorer’s Club for Kids: Created especially for youngsters, the Explorer’s Club is fully and professionally supervised and filled with adventures and activities that they will enjoy and treasure for a lifetime, while giving parents time on their own to spend vacation time their way. Time flies by with daily activities based around nature, science and exploration.
Room Recommendation: Family suites can sleep up to seven guests (with a maximum of four adults) in a king size bed and two double beds. Family suites are also available with Preferred Club privileges including access to a private lounge and beach access, special concierge service and other enhanced amenities.
Sunscape Splash Montego Bay
Sunscape Splash Montego Bay is located on a secluded peninsula in Montego Bay, Jamaica with over 1,800 feet of powdery beach overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
“Unlimited Fun” Inclusions:
- 24-hour access to food and beverage options including kid-friendly menu options
- In-room mini-bar fully stocked with soft drinks, juice, bottled water & beer
- Buffet and à la carte restaurants without reservations required
- Bars and lounges serving international and domestic brand beverages
- Unlimited fruit juices, soft drinks and snacks
- Endless daily land and water activities for all ages
- Live music and local entertainment
- Buffet and à la carte restaurants without reservations required
- Explorer’s Club for Kids ages 3 to 12 with supervised activity programs daily
- No wristbands required
- All taxes and gratuities included
Explorer’s Club for Kids: Kids ages 3-12 will have a blast with all the fun-filled activities at the Explorer’s Club for Kids, open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. This fully supervised club has games, a playground and so much more. Kids can have fun while learning with program based on science, nature and exploration, as well as weekly campout adventure in the tents at the club or on the beach. They’ll experience sand castle competitions, movie nights, a playground and endless activities.
Core Zone Teens Club: Teens ages 13-17 have their own space to hang out and relax at the Core Zone Teens Club, open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Teens get to hang out with others their age, play video games, board games, watch movies and more.
Water Fun: Pirate’s Paradise Waterpark (on-site waterpark with pirate ship, two water slides and a lazy river), five swimming pools, motorized water sports*, and scuba diving*
*Additional costs may apply.
Royalton Riviera Cancun
You can escape to the shores of the Mexican Riviera to create family vacation memories that will last forever. With age-appropriate activities, a stay at Royalton Rivera Cancun means more fun for everyone in your family. Their team of professionals will ensure your children stay safe, busy and entertained throughout your stay.
Clubhouse Kids Club: Children ages 4 to 12 will be able to socialize with others their own age while interacting with our newest guest, the best-loved on-screen characters, Max & Ruby™. Younger ones are also welcome to enjoy some quiet time indoors watching cartoons and playing games or have an active afternoon discovering the playground – safe and sound.
Max & Ruby: Give the whole family an experience to remember, when your little ones see their favourite bunny siblings, Max & Ruby, right in front of them! Enjoy live appearances, themed activities, and evening entertainment with the loveable and adventurous pair.
Splash Safari: Royalton Riviera Cancun offers families the ultimate vacation experience at Splash Safari. Water spritzes and sprays to tame the tropical heat while your child plays on water slides shaped like friendly hippos, crocodiles and giraffes. Hours of excitement await!
Paradisus Playa del Carmen Le Esmeralda
Paradisus La Esmeralda offers family concierge rooms with exclusive services and private areas designed especially for families. These rooms were specially designed for superior comfort and greater privacy so parents can choose whether they wish to relax or have fun, safe in the knowledge that the kids are enjoying a vacation they will never forget. You’ll even have access to a personal Family Concierge butler to take care of your family at all times.
Exclusive Family Concierge Areas:
- Access to the Family Concierge private heated pool for all the family with a swim-up bar and Bali beds
- Private beach area with a beach concierge service for everything you might need
- Elegant multi-level Family Concierge lounge with air conditioning and sensory harmony for private check-in and check-out, library, Wi-Fi, daily continental breakfast buffet, all-day coffee and drinks, international press and drinks and aperitifs in the afternoon
- Luxurious Family Suites with a select range of extra services and facilities specially designed for families
- Access to the restaurant Olio exclusively for guests staying at Family Concierge.
- Access to the YHI Spa water ritual facilities
- Exclusive massage area for Family Concierge guests (*)
- Private Family Concierge fitness facilities
Exclusive Family Concierge Services:
- Assignment of your own personal Family Concierge butler on arrival to attend to all your needs during your stay
- Complimentary cell phone during the stay so you can stay in touch with your Family Concierge
- Majestic check-in and check-out coordinated by your butler
- Packing and unpacking by your butler if desired
- Preferential bookings for the themed restaurants, YHI spa and activities
- Life-enriching activities organized for all the family to enjoy together
- “Bathtime Fun” whirlpool set-up.
- Special turndown service for the kids with milk and cookies.
- Personalized mini-bar stocked with drinks and snacks for children
- Paradisus welcome beach kit for children
- PS2™, XBox 360™ or Wii™ available in the Suite on request
- Aromatherapy menu for children
- Kids and Teens activity menu
- Special amenities for children in the Suites including kid-sized bathrobe and mini-slippers in the closet
- Kid’s bathroom amenities such as mini kit with soaps, toothbrush, shower gel, mosquito repellent and towel
Family Concierge Butler Service:
- Personal tour of the resort to help you settle in
- Room spa: preparation of your whirlpool bathtub with aromatherapy (*)
- Ironing of up to two garments per day per room (not including delicate items)
- Shoeshine service whenever you need it
- Laundry collection and delivery
- Preferential reservations in the à la carte restaurants, YHI Spa and sports and entertainment facilities
- Personalized minibar in the room with products for adults and kids
- Postal delivery
- Personalized wake-up calls
- Service to sterilize bottles on request
(*) With additional charge
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
The Grand Velas Riviera Maya takes you beyond all inclusive where the Caribbean Sea meets the Yucatan jungle. You can savor gourmet cuisine from renowned chefs, bring balance to body and mind with treatments in the holistic spa and unwind in suites with private terraces, plunge pools and uninhibited water views. Find refuge on the white sand beach or lounge by the infinity pool, paired with attentive service from our concierge. Schedule a massage in the comfort of your suite. Join an exciting excursion to explore lush jungles, underwater caves or Mayan ruins. Or, grab a drink at one of the vibrant lounges.
All Inclusive Amenities:
- Free Wi-Fi
- 24-hour gourmet suite service
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner à la carte or buffet at Bistro, Azul and Chaká restaurants
- Mini-bar stocked daily
- Life Fitness Center and fitness classes
- Non-motorized water sports (kayaks and boogie boards)*
- Dinner à la carte at 5 signature restaurants: Frida (gourmet Mexican cuisine), Cocina de Autor (creative-evolutionary cuisine), Piaf (traditional French cuisine), Sen Lin (Asian cuisine), and Lucca (Italian-Mediterranean cuisine)
- 24-hour personal concierge
- Smoke-free hotel
- Taxes and gratuities
- Premium domestic and international beverages at Koi Bar, Aqua Bar and throughout resort
- Kids’ Club with daily activities program
- State-of the-art Teens’ Club
- Recreational activities program for kids & adults
- Pool concierge
- Beach concierge
- Beach & poolside waiter service
- * Services available in the resort at an additional charge.
Family Fun through the Ambassador Experience:
- Kids’ Club: Guests age 4-12 can enjoy supervised fun designed especially for them
- Teen’s Club: Cool activities and experiences for guests age 13-18
- Beach Games: Hit the beach for family fun with volleyball and football games
- Kayak Tour: Explore miles of coastline by sea on this fun, guided experience
- Snorkel Tour: Everyone can explore the colorful reef and fish on this easy tour
- Swim with Dolphins: Make new aquatic friends on this once-in-a-lifetime experience
- Bike Ride: Pedal your way through paradise
Room Recommendation: Ambassador Family Suites feature Jacuzzi tubs, sitting areas and home-style amenities and are located near the Kids Club & Teen Club. They also surround the main infinity pool and offer private terraces, spectacular sea views, luxe amenities and sitting areas. You can even choose one with a plunge pool for pure indulgence.
Barcelo Maya Beach
The Barcelo Maya Beach hotel is situated on one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico in the heart of the Riviera Maya. The hotel has been partially renovated to include a club house featuring reception services, lounge, Beach Buffet restaurant, and more.
All Inclusive Amenities:
- Cuisine: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at 16 restaurants (4 buffet restaurants, 4 beachfront grill restaurants, and 8 à la carte restaurants)
- Tennis
- Paddle tennis
- Multi-purpose sports court
- Miniature 18-hole golf course
- Fitness studio
- Activities program
- Non-motorized water sports
Water Fun: Barcelo Maya Beach has 7 swimming pools that include special shallow areas for children, semi-olympic pools and swimming pools for adults. It also features the Barcy Water Park for kids where kids can enjoy castles, slides and waterfalls within the swimming pool.
The swimming pool area boasts a stunning sun terrace, a sun lounger and hammock area and a fully equipped games area with a beach shop and lots more. There is more family fun awaiting at the Pirates Island Water Park (additional charges apply), with slides and attractions designed for all ages. Plus, the most adventurous members of the family can enjoy surfing on the Surf Rider wave pool (additional charges apply).
Stay in 1 Hotel and Enjoy 4: When you stay at the Barcelo May Beach, you have access to the restaurants, bars, swimming pool and beach facilities at the Barceló Maya Caribe, Barceló Maya Colonial and Barceló Maya Tropical hotels.
Planning a vacation with a little one? Don’t forget about these ten things you need when traveling with a toddler!
Have you ever taken an all inclusive vacation? What do you think are the best all inclusive resorts for families?